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SUNY Cortland

Student Life Center

State University of New York (SUNY) Cortland retained Hastings+Chivetta to design a Student Life Center that creates a hub of physical and social recreation, as well as dining, on campus.

The signature feature of the new facility is the three-lane, 1/5-mile suspended jogging track, which includes a 20-inch grade change to mimic hills. The ADA-accessible track runs the perimeter of the facility and features exterior views in all four directions and interior views into every major space of the building, including a glass tunnel through the pool area. The track is designed for a dynamic indoor running experience in a climate that does not allow outside running for significant parts of the year.

The two-story building is divided into three primary sections — recreation, dining and outdoor adventures — with a common lobby and entrances on both sides connecting the three functions.

The facility features many new themed, specialty fitness areas. A spinning room is equipped with an interactive lighting system, sound system and a 124-inch diagonal flat screen. A mind/body room has track lighting and more than 900 LED lights to mimic stars on the ceiling. A combatives room is equipped with heavy bags, a speed bag, TRX mounts and floor pads for martial arts programming. A two-story climbing wall is located at the termination of the main concourse.

The facility is designed to reduce energy consumption through roof-top solar panels, a green roof, oversized fans, and more, and is pending LEED Gold certification.

Since its opening, the University has seen a 100% increase in daily participation in open recreation, a 30% increase in mind/body programming and a 200% increase in group exercise programming.